Missouri dismisses Dorial Green-Beckham from team

Apr. 11, 2014
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Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (15) runs for a touchdown pass against Auburn (24) during the second quarter of the 2013 SEC Championship. Green-Beckham was dismissed from the Missouri team Friday. / Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

Star receiver Dorial Green-Beckham has been dismissed from the Missouri football program, the school announced.

Green-Beckham, a 20-year-old rising junior, had been on indefinite suspension since earlier in the week in the wake of a burglary investigation that had focused on him. Columbia, Mo., police announced Thursday they would not arrest Green-Beckham, who had been named as a suspect in an incident that occurred early Sunday morning.

According to the police report, Green-Beckham forced his way into an apartment, then pushed an 18-year-old woman down the stairs. The woman later told police she didn't want to prosecute.

According to a release, the decision was made by Tigers coach Gary Pinkel, "in conjunction with" athletic director Mike Alden.

"This decision was made with the best interests of all involved in mind," Pinkel said in the release. "Dorial's priority going forward needs to be focusing on getting the help he needs. As we have all along, we will continue to do everything we can to assist Dorial and his family. We care deeply about Dorial and his well-being, but hopefully he can benefit from a fresh start."

Alden added: "We have a high standard of conduct for our student-athletes. Though we provide the resources and mentoring to all of our student-athletes, we are also responsible to the community at large and to the ideals and values of the University of Missouri. We have determined that this was a necessary step for our football team, athletic department, the University and our community."

Before the school's announcement of his dismissal, Green-Beckham's father, John Beckham, released a statement to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch saying he was "young and dumb."

"First and most importantly, I take responsibility for my conduct and my mistakes. Don't blame my girlfriend or her friends for anything. I am not looking for sympathy. I thank those who have given me concern. I have been young and dumb. I want to be better. During my suspension I'm entering counseling. With help, I know I can be stronger emotionally and spiritually. My relationship with God, my family, friends, teammates and coaches are more important in my life, not football. It may not be possible to fix everything, but it won't be for not trying."

Green-Beckham, from Springfield, Mo., was ranked by several scouting services as the nation's No. 1 recruit in 2012. He also was named the All-USA Offensive Player of the Year by USA TODAY Sports. Green-Beckham led Missouri last season with 59 catches and 12 receiving touchdowns.

But off the field, he's been involved in several troubling incidents.

In October 2012, Green-Beckham and two teammates were arrested in Columbia, Mo., on suspicion of marijuana possession, and later pleaded guilty to trespassing. Green-Beckham was suspended for one game.

In January, he was arrested in Springfield, Mo., but was not charged, after officers found about a pound of marijuana in a vehicle he was riding in during a traffic stop. He was not charged.